Scott looking to help Miners win

When the KL Gold Miners traded Sam Ellwood to the Markham Royals a week ago, in a three-player deal, one of those coming to the Miners was forward James Scott. The Northern News sat down with the 20 year-old, Vicotria, BC, native and discussed the deal and what his experience with the team and community has been like so far. “Last year there was a little bit of talk about the Gold Miners and coming up this way but it didn’t work out. This year It looks like Kirkland Lake is a team that is really gearing up to make a run and it is my last year so I thought it was a good opportunity for me to come up and hopefully help out.” Scott played in both the Powassan and Timmins games and while he said in the first game he was trying to get use to the situation, in the Rock contest he got the offence going with a goal and an assist. As for the differences between the OJHL and the NOJHL, he feels there are some differences. “I think it is definitely a change. I think Its a different kind of hockey (the NOJHL), its a little more physical, a little more gritty. I think in terms of the level, we have a great group here and we are really looking to make a run.” He adds his style of play will work perfect on the friendly confines of The Joe. “I enjoy it. I like the physical play so a small rink size lets you get into the corners and gets you into the game.” In terms of modelling his style after, Scott quickly pointed to Toronto Maple Leaf and family friend Zach Hyman. “He is a real strong player along the walls and in the corners and that is something I try to excell at too.” Hyman’s brother Spencer is the coach of the Markham Royals and Scott has played with Hyman’s younger brother Cooper. Off the ice, Scott has a number of interests including music. He plays a couple of instruments (trombone and bass) and was in a band for a number of years. As for living in KL, he says while he has only been here a short while he is already loving it.